Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Katy senior Victoria Sturm has been selected as this year's Charles D. Jones Art Scholarship recipient at Stephen F. Austin State University.
The Jones scholarship, established by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, is awarded on an annual basis to a junior, senior or graduate level student with drawing or printmaking as his/her major study area. Students must show initiative and a broad appreciation of all of the fine arts with a concentration on printmaking, according to the eligibility criteria established by Jones.
Neal Cox, associate professor in the SFA School of Art and printmaking coordinator, nominated Sturm for the award, giving her "my highest recommendation based upon my observations of her work ethic, enthusiasm, development and temperament," he said.
"Ms. Sturm's enthusiasm energizes her peers and creates a positive learning environment," Cox wrote in is nomination letter. "Not only does she take her standard educational expectations seriously, she is also an honors student. Ms. Sturm is 100-percent on time with her assigned work. She has never been late to class, and, to my memory, has perfect attendance.
Sturm is currently working on a body of work questioning cosmetic culture, Cox said.
"Her consideration of societal norms has led her to make some pretty profound work," he wrote. "I am looking forward to seeing her work come together in her final show next year, and am happy to throw my support behind her so she can really excel. The Jones scholarship would be a great boon to her toward that end. There is not a more deserving, qualified student in my program."
The FVA has established scholarships in the name of retiring SFA School of Art professors who were employed in the School of Art for a minimum of 10 years before retirement and who contributed in a significant way to the mission of the Friends of the Visual Arts board and its fundraising activities, such as consistently donating art for fundraisers, by providing monetary assistance, or by serving on FVA committees or board.
Jones is professor emeritus in the SFA School of Art where he taught printmaking, drawing, Mexican art history and the "Art of The Book" from 1971 to 2011. During that time, he was named a Regents Professor and received a Distinguished Professor Award from the Alumni Association and a Teaching Excellence Award from the university. He is now the director and master printer for the LaNana Creek Press in the College of Fine Arts and has had exhibitions of his work worldwide.
The SFA Friends of the Visual Arts is made up of community members who support the arts in East Texas and provide monetary assistance to students enrolled in the School of Art by conducting fundraisers, such as the upcoming annual 12 x 12 event in July.